As fall arrives, Portage la Prairie cemeteries are preparing for their annual fall cleanup. The City reminds residents to remove all flowers, vases, wreaths, fences, solar lights, figurines and other decorative items from Hillside Cemetery, Hillside Memorial and St. Mary's Cemetery by Friday, October 31, 2025.
Paul Ziesmann, the city's public works superintendent, notes that the cleanup is routine.
“Generally, in the third week of October, we ask our residents who have members or family members in the cemetery to remove all types of ornamental flowers, solar lights and any small reminders they may have had on the gravestones,” he says. “This will then allow our cemetery staff to do thorough preparation and cleanup before the winter season arrives. We will also begin preparations for some Memorial Day services at the cemetery.”
Any plastic flowers or vases remaining after October 31st will be discarded.
The City also emphasizes that it is not liable for damage to decorations caused by normal winter operations, including snow removal and cemetery openings or closings.
Schools and the Portage Legion are also helping with Memorial Day preparations.
By following the guidelines, residents help keep cemeteries safe, tidy and winter-proof.
Sign up to get the latest local headlines delivered straight to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, images and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.